Devices that extend a driver's sight and other senses are already creeping into the showroom.

But the features are expensive, and available only on luxury vehicles. Don't expect that to change soon.

The Infiniti FX and M45 offer lane-departure systems, which use cameras mounted on the outside mirrors to monitor lane markers (i.e., lines) on the road. If the vehicle wanders into an adjacent lane, the device sounds an alarm, vibrates the steering wheel, and finally edges the vehicle back into its lane. It is available as part of a $4,200 "technology package" option.

The Lexus LX 470 SUV offers a night-vision system in the United States. It uses infrared cameras to detect people, deer or other heat-generating objects in the road ahead, and then projects their image onto the lower front windshield. It is a $2,200 option. Lexus would not say what percentage of LX buyers order the option.

Story: Autoweek